Alexander Chayko takes command of Russian Aerospace Forces
Updated
Updated · Institute for the Study of War · May 4
Alexander Chayko takes command of Russian Aerospace Forces
2 articles · Updated · Institute for the Study of War · May 4
Russia's defence ministry replaced General Viktor Afzalov on 4 May as criticism mounted over air-defence failures and shortages of aircraft and maintenance personnel.
Chayko previously led Russian forces in Syria and early in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, where he oversaw operations around Kyiv before being removed from district command.
The appointment fits Vladimir Putin's pattern of rotating underperforming commanders rather than dismissing them, as Russian military bloggers also fault the VKS for failing to stop Ukrainian long-range drone strikes.
As Putin hides from drones, is Russia’s military secretly becoming more powerful and technologically advanced?
Can the West defeat Russia's sanctions-busting 'shadow fleet' before it causes an environmental disaster?
From Syria Siege Tactics to Russian Air Defense: The Strategic Implications of Chaiko’s 2026 VKS Command
Overview
In May 2026, Colonel General Alexander Chaiko, an army general with extensive command experience in Syria and a controversial record linked to war crimes in Bucha, was appointed commander-in-chief of Russia's Aerospace Forces, replacing Viktor Afzalov amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks that exposed weaknesses in air defense. Despite lacking aerospace expertise, Chaiko's appointment, made directly by President Putin, signals a shift toward more aggressive, siege-style tactics inspired by Syrian operations. This move caused unease among career VKS officers and internal friction due to Chaiko's sanctioned status. Heightened security measures for Chaiko reflect both real threats and Kremlin support, underscoring Moscow's prioritization of battlefield effectiveness over international condemnation.